I tell an anecdote. It is a good one and I can tell that it is. The appreciative reaction gives me a lift and that files the story in my brain. In another place and time, a good story is needed, you know, to counter the silence and fill the gaps. Hey, how about that anecdote that is a good one and get appreciative responses before?
I tell it. There are quite a few appreciative responses but some eye-rolling and some looking away. Uh-o, I have told that story to many of those present before. From the faces, I'm guessing some of those present have heard that story more than once. How many times have I told it? Can't rightly remember.
Quite a few of my friends are old guys, old enough to have many experiences and as a result, many good anecdotes in their heads. From the relish that I think I see in their re-telling a story, I infer that it is good for the teller to re-tell a good anecdote. You can hear in the speaker's voice, the pleasure in re-living the surprising, funny, memorable event. I have found lately that just telling myself, usually without external vocalizations, an explanation, a plan, an intention ups my motivation and energy.
